Unit Plan 21 (PreK Science): Seasons Around Us
PreK science unit exploring seasonal patterns by observing weather, plants, colors, daylight, and activities across fall, winter, spring, and summer through charts, sorting, and inquiry-based routines.
Focus: Observe and describe seasonal patterns by noticing changes in weather, plants, colors, daylight, and activities across fall, winter, spring, and summer.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Science (Earth & Space Science • Inquiry/Skills)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session (use two short blocks if needed)
I. Introduction
This week helps children notice that the world changes in predictable patterns across the year. Children use simple routines—daily weather check-ins, picture sorting, read-alouds, and short outdoor “season walks”—to observe how temperature, precipitation, clothing, and what we see in nature (leaves, grass, animals) change over time. Students build a class Seasons Chart and create “Season Snapshots” (drawings with labels) that show what each season is usually like. Throughout the week, children practice speaking like scientists by using observation words such as notice, same, different, pattern, and because.
Essential Questions
- What do we notice about the world in different seasons?
- How does the weather change across the year?
- How do people change clothes and activities when the season changes?
- What patterns can we see in plants and animals as seasons change?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:
- Identify and describe basic seasonal weather using words like sunny, windy, rainy, snowy, hot, and cold (PK-ESS2-1).
- Use observations (photos, real objects, outdoor noticing) to compare what looks the same and different in two seasons (PK-ESS2-1).
- Sort pictures/objects into season groups using evidence (e.g., coat = winter; flowers = spring).
- Contribute to a class Seasons Chart (simple graph/pictograph) showing repeated seasonal features (PK-ESS2-1).
- Create a “Season Snapshot” drawing that includes at least two accurate details (weather + nature/clothes/activity).
Standards Alignment — PreK (NGSS-based custom)
- PK-ESS2-1 — Observe daily weather and describe simple weather patterns.
- Example: Use daily weather observations to notice that some times of year are usually colder, hotter, wetter, or snowier.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can say what season it is and what the weather is like.
- I can tell how two seasons are the same and different.
- I can sort pictures into seasons and say why I chose that season.
- I can help make our class Seasons Chart.
- I can draw a season picture with details that match real observations.